The Arts District in downtown L.A. is the epicenter of the city’s cultural, gastronomic and fashion renaissance. Hotel Figueroa provides the perfect vantage point for exploring the best restaurants, galleries and boutiques in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
With a mission to “promote awareness of progressive architecture and design in everyday life through exhibits, educational programs and public outreach,” the A+D Museum curates a range of unique exhibits and perspectives from around the world such as the recent “No Taste for Bad Taste” exhibit by a collective of French designers and thinkers. The museum is located in DTLA’s landmark Bradbury Building. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Visit aplusd.org for more information.
Alchemy Works is a hybrid gallery, event and retail space that’s home to dozens of eclectic and independent brands and pop-up shops, including Warby Parker, Darling Magazine, Yuyu Amsterdam, Yield Design Co. and Cienne NY to name a few. Visit alchemyworks.us for a full list of brands. Open Monday – Sunday 11AM-7PM.
This converted textile factory now serves as a gallery and performance space for a number of diverse artists, from urban muralists to photographers. It also hosts a number of community classes, exhibits, performance art and poetry readings throughout the year. Visit artsharela.org for a calendar of events and upcoming exhibits. Open Wednesday – Saturday 1-6PM.
The Los Angeles outpost of Hauser & Wirth is located in the heart of the Arts District. Early 2018 exhibits included Louise Bourgeois “The Red Sky,” Mark Bradford New Works and Greta Batescu “The Leaps of Aesop.” Larry Bell “Complete Cubes” is currently on view. Visit hauserwirth.com for exhibit information and gallery hours. Open Tuesday – Sunday 11AM – 6PM.
Poketo is something of a modern-day general store for design lovers with a special affinity for clean lines and minimalist design. It offers everything from jewelry, clothing and accessories to stationery and furniture. It also hosts craft workshops for children and adults in areas like perfume making, weaving, 3-D design and printing, and even shoe making. For more information, visit poketo.com or call at (213) 372-5686. Open Tuesday – Sunday 11AM-4PM.
Like many of the Arts District’s prime destinations, Church & State is located in a historic building, in this case the former home of Nabisco. The menu consists of traditional French bistro classics prepared with organic and locally sourced ingredients with a focus on hormone- and antibiotic-free produce and meats. A special three-course prix fixe menu is available on Sundays. Visit churchandstatebistro.com for reservation information. Wine list and menus are also available online.
With its proximity to Little Tokyo, Hotel Figueroa is at the epicenter of some of L.A.’s best Japanese and Asian eateries. Inko Nito offers Robatayaki-style Japanese cuisine in a clean, open communal setting that includes a green outdoor patio area, as well as bar seating. The menu includes meat, fish, and vegetarian options. Visit nikoitorestaurant.com for reservations.
The Arts District is quickly becoming known for its food scene as well as its art and cultural offerings. Manuela is the perfect spot to sample some of the best seasonal and locally sourced fare in downtown L.A. It offers its own unique selection of art, as well as an event space. For more information about the brunch, lunch and dinner menus or to inquire about reservations for private dining, visit manuela-la.com or call (323) 849-0480.
